GEORGE Drury starred as Rams grabbed a bonus-point double over rivals Chinnor with a convincing 37-21 success in National Two South.

Scrum-half Drury’s performance earned praise from skipper Dan Barnes, who said: “George was awesome. He scored an unbelievable try and had a hand in two others.”

Also playing a big part was points machine Spike Chandler. He landed seven out of seven kicks for 17 points to make sure of survival for next season.

Although the Oxforshire visitors enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and territory, it was Rams’ smash-and-grab finishing which won the day.

They went ahead after just two minutes when lock Jamie Guttridge was released through a gap in the Chinnor defence, Chandler putting over the first of four conversions.

However Chinnor soon hit back with a catch-and-drive try from Nathan Hannay, Sam Angel adding the extras.

Twice Rams benefitted from penalties for high tackles and Chandler gave his side a 13-7 lead, Alex Waddingham receiving a yellow card for the second offence.

Then, right on half time, wing Sean McDermottroe pounced on a Chinnor error and raced 40 metres for a touchdown to make it 20-7.

In a lively encounter, Angel strolled in from short range four minutes after the break to narrow the arrears before Drury weaved his way through a bewildered defence.

For the rest of the game Chinnor battered away at what proved to be a resilient Rams defence.

And it was against the run of play when a Ben Henderson fly-hack through was collected by Drury who sent Conor Corrigan in from near halfway

A second Hannay try in the closing stages came too late for the visitors and an injury time Chandler penalty put the finishing touches to yet another gritty Rams victory.

There was just time for 18-year-old Gareth Sims to come on as a replacement and become the 47th player this season to make a league appearance.

Rams rest Rob Stapley for the last National Two South game of the season at fourth-placed Redruth this coming Saturday (3pm).

The back-row dynamo and top try scorer is nursing a shoulder problem and earns a well-deserved break after a string of outstanding performances which has helped revive the club’s fortunes.

Jamie Guttridge, scorer of another vital opening try last Saturday, switches to No. 8 and Ollie Taylor takes over at lock.

In the front row, Matt Weller starts at loose head and Jack Steadman moves to the other flank, while yet another young player could make his league debut.

Jordan Ethelston, a member of last season’s Berks under-20 side at Twickenham, is named on the bench.

Coach Mike Tewkesbury warns: “Going down to Redruth will be a new experience for some of our lads. It could be a tough old game.”